How to prevent typhoid?
Simple steps to keep typhoid away.
Typhoid is said to spread by the 4Fs – flies, fingers, faeces and fomites (objects likely to carry infection).[1] It spreads quickly in communities that lack access to sanitation and safe drinking water.[2]
To prevent typhoid, there are three main things you can do:[3]
Wash hands regularly
Practice safe eating and safe drinking habits
Get vaccinated
WASH protocol
Lack of clean water, adequate sanitation and hygiene measures can lead to more people falling sick in the community. Following a WASH protocol (water, sanitation and hygiene) can help with typhoid prevention. Improved WASH infrastructure is the foundation of reducing cases of typhoid and other infectious diseases.[1]
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.[3]
Food and drink safety
Drink safety[3]
- Drink filtered, boiled, or bottled water (boil water for at least 1 minute before drinking)
- Avoid dubious sources of ice creams, popsicles or ice (unless made from mineral or boiled water)
- Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk
Food safety[3,4]
- Eat food that is cooked well
- Consume vegetables and fruits only after washing them thoroughly with clean water
- Avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked, served hot and prepared hygienically
- Avoid unpasteurised dairy products
- Avoid undercooked eggs
Vaccination
While WASH protocol will take years to reach every corner of the country, vaccination can reach the community faster, as seen during COVID. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries that are at a higher risk of typhoid should consider vaccination as a preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.[5]
In India, two types of typhoid vaccines available:[5]
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)
An injectable vaccine that consists of Vi polysaccharide antigen linked to a carrier protein.
Vi Polysaccharide (Vi-PS) vaccine
An injectable unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine based on purified Vi antigen alone.
Comparison of typhoid vaccines[5,6]
| Feature | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)+ | Vi Polysaccharide (Vi-PS) |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | Up to 87.1% | 55-61% |
| Age | Can be given to children 6 months and older | Can be given to children 2 years and older |
| Administered | Injection | Injection |
| Protection | At least 7 years | 2 to 3 years at most |
+Data for the above table has been taken from studies conducted on Typbar-TCV. Data is not available for other TCV vaccines yet.
The WHO-SAGE Working Group on Typhoid Vaccines recommends TCV as part of routine immunisation programs for children aged 6 to 23 months.[6] The vaccine starts providing protection at least 28 days after administration.
Note: Please consult your doctor for the right dosage.[7]
What is the best way to prevent typhoid fever?
WASH + Vaccination are the best defences against typhoid. While improved hygiene and sanitation can lower the risk, vaccination alongside these practices dramatically reduces the likelihood of infection.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557513/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
- https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/prevention/index.html
- https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/IDCU/investigation/electronic/EAIDG/2023/Typhoid-Fever-Salmonella-Typhi.pdf
- Purple Book: IAP Guidebook on Immunization 2022 By Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP)
- https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/367354/WHO-IVB-2023.01-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01494-6/fulltext
Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by Bharat Biotech International Limited. This information is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. The doctors, medical facilities and graphics shown are for illustrative purposes only. For any medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition, consult your doctor.